Putting - An Alternative Mental Approach

Putting is one of the most over-looked areas of the game of golf, especially for beginners. With such an emphasis on driving the ball farther and all aspects of the game that help golfers arrive closer to the green or pin, golfers often put putting on the wayside of their practice time. However, because the ball is so close to the pin, and because fewer factors determine the path of the ball (don't have to worry about arc, trajectory, lie, etc.), putting should be one of the main areas of focus for improving your golf game and taking precious strokes off your total score.

Putters themselves seem to be one of the more technical-looking clubs available. I've seen everything from flat-face putters, to belly-putters, to literally hundreds of different putter heads. I think such an emphasis is put on the mechanical skills involved in putting that golfers often overlook their main mental approach. While focusing on keeping your wrists straight and your follow-through and keeping your head down are all important, it is necessary to have a specific mental approach to putting that you can connect with.

Putting a golf ball is like throwing a dart. You have a personal stance, you take aim, start your motion, and then release trying to hit a specific target.

Putting a golf ball is like playing pool. You have a personal stance, you take aim, start your motion, and then release trying to hit a specific target.

Putting a golf ball is like releasing a bocce ball. You have a personal stance, you take aim, start your motion, and then release trying to hit a specific target.

Putting a golf ball is like throwing a horseshoe. You have a personal stance, you take aim, start your motion, and then release trying to hit a specific target.

Do you see where I'm going? Putting can be related to any kind of sport/activity that puts an importance on accuracy and precision. I myself like to relate putting to playing pool. As I approach my putt while playing a round of golf I forget, for a moment, about all the mechanics involved in my putting stroke and instead visualize myself playing pool on the green. How much do I need to draw back the cue (putter) to make the cue ball (golf ball) roll to my selected target? Afterwards I can then start to focus on keeping my wrists straight, my head down, etc. to produce a successful putt.

If you find yourself putting poorly, or are looking for something to inspire a change in your putting, try relating putting to another sport/activity that you enjoy and understand, and put yourself in the same frame of mind when you approach your putts. At a minimum it will make you a little more comfortable and confident when you go for that six-footer!

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